This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

VIdeo of complete Pete Newman address to court provided by KOLR

The complete address of former Kanakuk Kamp director Pete Newman to the court and to this victims during his sentencing hearing, totaling more than nine minutes, has been posted by KOLR as an attachment to former KOAM reporter Jennifer Denman's coverage. It can be accessed at this link .

101 comments:

Amanda Tackett
said...

I just watched both parts...

It turns my stomach to hear this MONSTER evoke scripture, but that's just me.

I want to be able to believe this was sincere, and not prompted by an attorney's advice. But, there was something "off" about the tone and scope of Newman's statement. For me, the fact that there are many more victims out there negates any plea or "recovery." It would have gone a long way for Newman to fully allocute in court today.

Did it seem to anyone else to be sort of sniveling and self-serving? Even so, I hope there was something in those words that can bring comfort to the victims and their families.

As someone that worked under Pete, I cannot describe the disgust and disdain I feel. Pete was amazing with children. They truly did love and respect him, as did the staff that worked under him. It makes my stomach turn to think that while I knew him and looked up to him and shared deep conversations with him, he was doing such acts with children. The Pete I 'knew' wasn't the real Pete at all. He has deceived literally thousands of people. Pete is a very sick person. I pray for the victims and ask those reading these words to take time now and do the same.

Nothing about Pete today was moving! Typical Pete! Did you see how he wiped away the tears and quickly rebounded? What a fraud! The brothers are over the top...clueless. I would like to know if Mr. Newman (Pete's father) would like to givethe bond money they were refunded to the victims and their families who will need counseling for the rest of their lives? Any answers Newmans? The biggest concern of this whole ordeal other than the victims is how Kanakuk has minimized their knowledge of this 2003 incident by saying it "was just an inappropriate contact". Would somebody at Kanakuk including you Will Cunningham (Pete's superior) take responsibility for the sake of these boys who are damaged for life not to mention their siblings and families?!! Please Kanakuk...stand up and close your camp!!How dare you put Pete on probation in 2003 for inappropriate contact and then act like it wasn't the same as sexual contact? Does this sound like the culture? Do you think people are idiots? Not all Christians are stupid.

I have only heard Pete preach once at camp and had a short conversation with him. But, today, even his voice sounded different....much lighter, feminine and not as robust and strong as it used to be. I think he is a wonderful actor.....after watching the clip...for a moment I almost believed his statement. Lets not get taken in by him again.... I think only time will tell...Bottom line...he is a pedophile.....maybe he has homosexual tendencies but his behavior is pedophilia......I don't know where they got that psychologist for the defense....kanakuk has a lot of questions to answer now that the "cat is out of the bag" about the rumored probationary period in 2003. Its time for them to own up to their role in this travesty.

For many years Pete had seemed like a great guy, one who really brought me close to the Lord. But now, I see he was a scam. All this time, all the tears, all those times were he claimed he done something horribly awful, it was all fake. Pete Newman, you saved me from an eternal life in hell once, and now, I hope you feel it for what you've done. All those times I thought you actually cared for me, turns out you just wanted me for your own sick pleasure. You are a liar, a cheater, and an awful man. How could you sleep at night knowing this? You may go to heaven, but for now, I hope you burn in this life in the hell you saved so many from you decietful scum. I have great pain for those who were affected by this, and I think all of us should rely on each other to remain strong in this painful time. May God be with us.

I can only speak for myself. You can choose to believe his sincerity in his statement or you can choose not to believe. I was there in person. I believe Pete spoke the truth from his heart. I makes NO difference what we believe, it is very personal for some of us. I know that Pete knew his fate. He didn't have to speak and I'm sure if he didn't people would have had issues with that, but everyone can judge how they want to---I think Pete is on the path to redemption and I believe that those of us who were in his "circle" of victims will be hearing from him now that this is over. I would love to see some compassion, but I understand that some will never get there. I am ready to give him my forgiveness.

Many will have different perspectives on his statement, but there is one thing to be sure of. Whether sincere or manipulative for a lighter sentence (it was delivered right before the judge dismissed to his chambers to consider the sentence), he is no longer a threat to children. I pray he does find redemption in a mighty, miraculous way. I pray God can use Him in prison to bring others to Christ in a way that is pure and REAL! I'm just so grateful to Judge Orr for taking the seriousness of the crimes and handing down such a sentence. He and Tony Williams will get my support for a lifetime!!!!!!

7:51, some victims have copies of those probationary documents. They've said it all along. Now, people believe them. Kamp should just say the truth...stop hiding...stop side-lining...stop running interference. Covering up and smoking mirrors is what always gets people in more trouble than the original mistake. Kamp, please just say what you knew so that those papers don't have to drift to the surface and you have to be drug through the mud. If I had them myself, I wouldn't do that, but some families are so angry with your cover-up that they will. At this point, what do you have to lose? God is still on His throne. Do you not believe that? It is HIS camp to protect; not yours.

7:51, some victims have copies of those probationary documents. They've said it all along. Now, people believe them. Kamp should just say the truth...stop hiding...stop side-lining...stop running interference. Covering up and smoking mirrors is what always gets people in more trouble than the original mistake. Kamp, please just say what you knew so that those papers don't have to drift to the surface and you have to be drug through the mud. If I had them myself, I wouldn't do that, but some families are so angry with your cover-up that they will. At this point, what do you have to lose? God is still on His throne. Do you not believe that? It is HIS camp to protect; not yours.

I believe he wants forgiveness and redemption. But we will see how he uses his time in prison. If he actually makes good use of his time and makes a difference, then we will know he was sincere. I think something we should all consider is that anon 7:17 was there and her child was a victim and she has decided to forgive. If someone who has suffered through this long process can begin to forgive, maybe we all can. So many are heartbroken. Let us try to move forward now and pray for healing for victims, Kanakuk families and for Kanakuk.

I have followed this case because I love several children who have attended Kanakuk and I have met Pete on several occasions. But it was not till today that I broke down and cried over this tragedy. I pray that these young boys do not lose faith in people and that most importantly they lean on the Lord when struggling with Pete's abuse.

Enrollment at Kanakuk is down and for that I am happy. This once Joe White believer is disgusted by the news of the 2003 probabtion against Pete. How dare you Joe White? How dare you?

I just want to clarify something. It's possible to forgive someone, but still think they are a threat to society. It's possible to walk in forgiveness but not believe the sincerity of Newman's statement before the court. Forgiveness is something that happens to each one of us in our own hearts, and is a part of our relationship with the Lord. Forgiveness wasn't hinged on Newman's performance of his statement yesterday. For me, it happened months ago. However, I can still think this man is a monster, I can still doubt his sincerity, even though I forgive him for what he specifically did to my family. This situation isn't over, not by a long shot, nor should it be. I would caution people against requiring victims and their families to "forgive" and "move on." That happens in God's time, not ours.

Ditto Amanda. Not everyone in Pete's "circle of victims" want to ever hear from Pete Newman again! Redemption or not!!Pete CANNOT say one thing to help these children heal. IF Pete cared about the victims he NEVER would have allowed an expert witness to even hint at his hemosexual tendencies. He would have called it what it was...pedophilia. Pete is known for always weaving his way out of trouble....Narcissus! What he has done and if I listed them everyone of you would agree,Pete should have sat there and kept his mouth shut for once in his life. I personally think this person at 7:17 needs a little more counseling or it could be that their child wasn't as damaged as others. No one can say what is best for another. All victims may have been abused similiarly but the intensity and frequency was different for each victim causing more damage for some than others. Pete is lucky to have prison. He will have somewhere to sleep, eat and workout. I personally do not think he should be allowed to speak with anyone about God with his history of abuse.

Pete's deception has made two of my sons question their faith and their trust in existing & future role models in their lives. So as parents we are helping them realize that we cannot totally trust in "man" but only in the Lord. A photo of Pete and my son are in his scrapbook which I'm taking out, pray and then, burn it in our fireplace. If Kanakuk had suspicions about Pete earlier and didn't remove him then I believe Kanakuk needs to be held responsible for this as well. Many of us reached out to Pete over the years when he would come to our cities for speaking engagements & I'm in disbelief and disgusted that he took advantage of so many people. He needs to stay in jail for what he did which will teach our children that there are consequences to our actions ...no matter what the age. (Dallas, Texas)

7:05, you are right when you say that Pete is lucky he has prison for a place to eat, sleep, and workout. BUT I SAY he's lucky he has prison to PROTECT HIM FROM THE FURIOUS PARENTS and others who'd probably kill him if they could get ahold of him. He has protection from them and that is lucky for him. I have no doubt in my mind that if he were turned lose yesterday to go back home and live with his family, that he wouldn't be around much longer.

I've also wondered that if he hadn't been blind-sighted when he went to that Jan. 21 hearing and was met by the Colorado authorities there to arrest him on more charges (thereby causing Judge Tony Williams to lock him up without bail), I wonder if he'd have gone home and killed himself, knowing the walls were closing in on him, he was guilty, and everyone knew it. I really think he might have. But, who knows. He's such a fake, I don't think any of us can possibly get into a mind that sick.

Behind bars, we'll see how repentant he is and if he really is moving toward being "made whole" by whether or not he personally writes every single victim and their families, personally owning what he did to them. We'll just see.

Thinking back to the April 30 Sentencing Hearing being postponed due to the defense witness not being available> and then to that moron of a defense psychologist yesterday> causes me to wonder just how much money the Newmans had to go in debt for with Tom Carver and his "expert." Sad, b/c they probably spent more than they had. Problem was: Pete being guilty, should have NEVER allowed them to do so. But the fact that he accepted that from them SHOULD DEMONSTRATE TO ALL OF US how he is still a narcissistic, spoiled, fraudulent, creep! To take from your very own family like that. How in the world Katie could ever think it "right" to stay married to him???????????? But when Pete married her, he KNEW she was this long-suffering, naive type who he could just use to get away with anything. He was smart. He was calculating. She would be the perfect cover. And now she will be the perfect one he'll use to try and convince the "outside world" that he is changing. Katie has sadly enabled him to use her as a pawn. WHY won't someone reason with her so that she can see this. If she doesn't wake up, her standing by him is going to twist Riley's mind so much that she won't know right from wrong. In fact, NEWMAN FAMILY, why don't YOU YOU YOU YOU advise her to cut strings?!?!?!?! For the love of her and KAtie, encourage her to move on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So...do the math...two consecutive life sentences (which in MO are 30 yrs each), plus the 30 year terms, plus the 7 year terms add up to 171 years.

In effect, the Judge Orr sentenced Newman to the max without saying so. A friend of mine who is a judge reviewed all of this...Orr sent a stronger message with what he didn't do or say that what actually came down. (perhaps to avoid an appeal on that subject...however, my judge friend tells me that the defense attorney did a number of things to leave the issue open to appeal for ineffective counsel issues...IJS...)

To 7:05....this is 7:17 responding to your comments about my own comments. Sadly, you and I may have sat very close in that courtroom yesterday, perhaps even later in the room with the prosecution team and families. I am very comfortable with my feelings and the prayers that were spoken in that room--when we all lifted Pete and his family up in prayer. My initial reaction to your comments toward me was very angry---telling me I need more counseling or that my son might not have been as damaged as others. Lady, I am biting my tongue because I just don't want to go there with you. How I wish you and I could have had a one on one discussion with you yesterday. I am just going to let your words speak for themself. I in no way asked anyone to feel or believe as I do. You and I are on different ends of the board on this, and that is fine with me. I don't want to convince anyone how or what to feel. I just wrote about how I FEEL. Your comments about my sons victimization cut me to the bone.... I want you to know that much. Again, my forgiveness for Pete is at hand and with it my healing is coming full circle.

I too have a problem with 7:05's message and I am a therapist who works with survivors of CSA. What you said to 7:17 totally invalidates her son's experience and her own. Sexual abuse is abuse...regardless of the type, severity or longevity. Your sons abuse, 7:05 has no bigger impact that 7:17's. Each child will interpret, process and heal in their own way, notwithstanding the type and severity of abuse. ALL have been severely impacted. You are in no position to call your situation worse than someone else as you do not know their experience. You both are suffering, rightly so, and your children need to have their feelings supported and the impact validated REGARDLESS of the type of specific act or length of sexual abuse perpetrated by Newman. The boys need to know that they are not to blame at all. 7:05 when you make statements as such you are in a sense negating 7:17's sons trauma experience that has impacted his/their life (s) forever. The healing process is furthered and nurtured when victims and family are validated and supported as they share their trauma. You, 7:05 stripped that from 7;17. I pray you are getting good counseling for yourself and your son. In the therapy world, there is not a hierarchy of abuse. I work with women where some have been abused once and others by multiple perpetrators for lengthy periods of time. The effect is still the same. It is tragic, and strips the innocence of a child, causes them to struggle with trust, safety, self esteem and many other issues. Compassion and understanding are needed. I know you are hurting 7:05 but please support other victims and their families. I will be praying for all to receive professional and supportive counseling.

@8:24 - I have been wondering this whole time what in the world is going on with Katie. I am assuming from your post that they are still married and she intends to stay that way. Is that correct?? Please fill us in in plain terms - it is just so hard to fathom that she is not going to move on with her life. I ache for her to be married to not only an adulterer, but the WORST POSSIBLE KIND, and not only that, but since she is such a wonderful, delightful, beautiful person, you just wish she could know what real marriage is meant to be like with someone who could provide a loving father figure for Riley, instead of having to say things like "I'm at Parents' Night alone because my husband is serving two life terms ... Oh yes, we're still married ..." Hmm. Not that I can judge because I can never even begin to imaging what the poor girl is dealing with, but you have to want the best for her after the master manipulation she's been a subjected to by the person who pledged to love her most. Precious little Riley ... We have to pray for her, too, as yet another victim.

To post anonymously such things doesn't make much sense to me. I certainly understand the reason for victims of Pete's horrible actions to keep their identity a secret. Yes, we all have been victimized in some way by Pete Newman but does that give us a right to take sucker punch (anonymous) at someone?

Pete lived in secrecy, don't shrink to that level. You are better then that & can do so much better. Walk in the light - not anonymous for the sake of pouring out venom...

I honestly hope each of you & myself finds comfort & healing. I would encourage you that taking the high road, over time will lead to such...

Katie is a strong woman with an incredibly supportive family. She will move forward with her life in time. There is no rush for her to begin legal proceedings to terminate her marriage. Obviously, she is not living with Pete and he is many miles away from her. She has no intention of "dating" anytime soon so no need to go forward with a divorce immediately. Emotionally, she needs time to heal through counseling and the love and support of family and close friends. I fully expect and believe she will survive this ordeal and come out stronger on the other end...she and Riley both.

I believe that 8:24 was FOR Katie; not against her. It's like if she were your child, you'd shoot straight with her and rescue her from this nightmare in any way you could, which would start with pointing out the reality of how she was used.

Does anyone else find it odd that grown men and women are angrily chastizing each other on a message board behind the cloak of anonymity? Please, people, if you're going to impugn someone's character, have the decency do it in the light.

None of this helps the victims here, which is really where all of the love and prayers and support should be directed. Information is good, but people deal with hurt in different ways. If you have a problem with the way someone else is dealing with hurt, grow up, step into the light, and handle it like a responsible adult. Especially if you claim to know Jesus.

Dear Ross, Congratulations on your law degree. People vent on blogs, that's what they do. Yes, it's weird that people can't seem to let others grieve, mourn, and forgive in their own way, but welcome to the human condition. As a former Kanakuk camper and staffer, I guess you will tell us that you, too saw nothing of concern in Newman's behavior. Or did you? I'm not buying the see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil spin the camp is promoting. I think plenty of people, if they want to be honest, saw plenty to be concerned about, but CHOSE to do nothing. I certainly didn't do enough. I'm guessing you don't have teenagers yet. Oh, what a fun time this is for us parents! If you think what's on this blog is bad, just wait until your kid is on Facebook, and Formspring. As a Christian and an officer of the court, I sure would appreciate your open and honest observations on Pete Newman.

Seriously, Amanda. Why don't you give it a rest. You're all over these blogs. Why don't you scrutinize your daughter's boarding school instead of relentlessly beating your "I told you so" drum. Do you know how smug you sound? We are all parents who love our kids dearly and yet we were completely deceived by Mr. Newman. Should Kanakuk have done more to protect our kids? Sure. But what keeps me up at night is the stark reality that it is my job to protect my children and I totally missed it with Pete. You are a pot stirring, knife turning dripping faucet. Please find a new hobby. Just venting...

To those parents, young men & women victims who had the courage to come forward about all of this, I want to thank you with all of my heart. It is hard to stand up for what is the right thing to do at the risk of exposing yourselves as victims. I will be praying for all of you & will trust our Lord will turn all of this out for His good, blessings to come upon all of you 100-fold, healing, restoration & lives full of joy. I respect all of you & want to thank you for being role models for others. Our family knows what it is like to come forward and expose a terrible adult role model with detailed documentation, & it is a very difficult, lonely road to walk. I will pray all of you will be surrounded by loving people who won't just help for a period of time, but who will become life- long friends. The Christian community is a family that extends across state lines & countries & we are to pray for each other even if we don't know each other directly. Please know there is a family in Dallas, Texas who cares, loves you & will continue to pray.

Amanda, since you're using you're real name and asking a legit question, I'll answer it.

After two years on staff, in 2000, I decided to try to be "Pete-like" at K1. I had kids call me the "Pete of K1". I visited kids in the offseason, became close with families, tried to get to know the kids that wanted that sort of mentorship, etc. I developed close, trusting relationships with families all over the US. I travelled from Oklahoma to Houston, Austin, Orlando, Kansas City, Springfield, Dallas, etc. to spend time with Kampers in the offseason. It was incredibly rewarding work, and lots of kids told me how much I reminded them of the guy at K-Kountry who did pretty much the same thing. Course, I thought Pete was a lot better at it than I was.

I didn't know Pete that well. He struck me as a little protective of certain kids and intense, like a mother-bear, but I may have struck people that way, too. I never felt like it was my job to get close to him (in a goofy way, sometimes K1 sorta saw K-Kountry as a little brother) But Pete was a groomsman in my sister's wedding. My brother-in-law counted Pete among his best friends, and never had an inkling this was going on.

I don't know anything about any private censure of Pete in 03, though I was at K1 at the time. I do know that when Pete came to K1 to visit, kids would run into the street to give him hugs. Of course, when I went to K2, things were similar.

This whole thing has been tough for me because when I read the synopsis of what he did - building up trust with families, visiting in the offseason, spending one-on-one time with kids, etc. - it reads exactly like my story, minus the part about molesting boys. Because everything that Pete did in the light, I tried to emulate.

My "how I've been hurt" by this story isn't like a friend-of-pete's or a victims, or a parent of a victims, or even a parent of a kid. But I feel like everything that I did for almost a decade at K1 has now been disqualified by Pete. Like what I did at Kanakuk has now become tainted by association.

I've been racking my brain for clues about whether I "should have known" re: Pete. And what I keep coming back to is that my brother-in-law, who is the youth pastor at a megachurch in OKC, worked with him every day at Kamp for years and was blindsided by this, then Pete was just really good at hiding it.

It's a massive, massive deal, for victims, parents of victims, parents of kids who knew Pete, kids who knew Pete, Pete's family, and the Kanakuk family. So when comments on a blog simplify it to "forgive him like Jesus would" or "burn in hell satanic pedophile", it's an oversimplification of a complicated wound that's going to take years to heal.

Ross,You sum up, very eloquently I may add, why this situation is so very difficult for so many people. The molestation of children by Pete in itself is horrible. But, it happening under the guise of a chrisian mentor and friend makes the hurt, both short term and long term, more horrific. The victims are not only forced to deal with the ramifications of the actual molestaion, but also the lifelong trust issues regarding those involved with christian institutions and confusion about their own spirituality. These were young, impressionable people just in the beginning stages of discovering their relationship with Christ. The lies and deception experienced at the hands of Pete Newman could possibly cause some to have difficulty with their relationship with Christ and those who have a genuine desire to be true mentors to others.

Ross, thank for your honesty. I know your words will help some hurting hearts. Many victims and families think, "Why me?" They blame themselves, but as you explain what you saw, and the context of Newman's furtive actions...there is no one to blame by Newman himself. As you said, he seemed to focus in on some boys, and not others.

I've asked my daughter many, many times since September 15th of last year, "Please, tell me what you saw or felt that everyone else missed. TELL ME." The closest I've come to getting an explanation from her was that Pete "reminded" her of gay friends and family we know, but that she saw the way he looked at some boys. "It was awkward, lovey looks like a kissing part in a movie was about to happen." Pete was "playful" and frequently shoved, pushed, and "punched" the kids at K-Kountry, mostly the boys, but she noticed a difference in the "way" he touched some boys. I honestly don't know if it would have "clicked" with her at all, except she knew one of the boys from Dallas, and was on the bus with him the previous year, and she "liked" him.

Some of Newman's former associates going back years and years have emailed me, and they had serious questions about his behavior going way, way back. Like me, they feel like they could have/should have done more to intervene. But, I think Newman was able to cloak himself in the appearance of righteousness...he did the "right" things...he "said" the right things...it was all fake.

It bothers me that Newman wasn't required to allocute fully...all victims names given to the court as part of his pleading guilty so that those families can access counseling services or get help. I fear many boys haven't told their parents and are living under the weight of Newman's abuse. How many of these children are ticking time bombs? Will they become abusers as well, or turn to substance abuse to quell their pain?

Ross, you sound like a really decent person, and for parents like me who are just bewildered by all of this, it is of great comfort to know that counselors like you were at Kanakuk.

After this has had some time to sink in, and I've listened to Newman's statement again, I just feel profoundly sad, for him, too. Someone who knows Pete well emailed me yesterday with a similar kind of observation, and that was that it's tragic that gay or not, Pete wasn't able to find himself, or be himself, and did all of these horrible things to other people that really just reflected on himself. So, yes, I completely agree with you about the boiling this down to black and white thing...as so many continue to pray for victims and families, Kanakuk leadership, Newman needs prayer, too. That may not "feel" right to a lot of people, but I have a mix of (still) outrage and also pity for Newman and all he squandered.

Because you are an attorney, I want to ask another question (sorry, but you are an attorney). Newman's attorney (Mr. Carver) didn't bring up his (Newman's) history of being abused as a child in a similar manner...a judge will sometimes weigh this kind of information when handing down a sentence. In this case, it seems like Judge Orr "threw the book" at Newman. Does this open the door for an appeal of the sentence? I know Newman can't appeal his guilty plea, but what about punishment? Is there room there, especially in light of Mr. Carver's lament/complaint over the sentence for some type of appeal of Judge Orr's order? Thanks, if you are able to weigh in...

7:17 and the Therapist comments: Here's the point: NOT everyone in Pete's circle of friends think it is a good thing that they might be hearing from Pete in the near future. That is all! You commented as if that was a good thing. I am happy that you think it is a good think for you but it is not for others and I did not want it to be represented as the feelings of a group. I wanted people to know that most victims in Pete's circle do not agree with you. I am glad you are on the brink of forgiveness. Forgiveness is an individual thing and God will be the Judge of all that. That was all I meant to say. It was not to hurt you or to cut you to the core regarding your own son's victimization. Also, to the therapist remarks: NOT every therapist agrees with you!!! Yes, abuse can be different for every boy. But it does matter about the amount of damage caused based on the severity of the abuse It does matter. It is also known that parents recover quicker when they see their child recovering. We all know this. It also matters that the abuse was done by the hands of their spiritual mentor which is right up there with the damage of incestual abuse. WE are educated too.If you have this much time to lecture (yes, you sounded like a lecturer but you will call it educating everyone, even though we are all living through it), maybe you need more clients? Please do not take my comments out of context. I too was stating my opinions just as you had.

AmandaJust because Pete did not give up all the names of his victims does not mean that all of those will now become drug addicts or perps. As long as they are receiving support and counseling they can heal from the tragedy. I know you probably know this ----just wanted to clarify..... Some boys will hide behind the shame and guilt and may not disclose at this time. But even in that, God has them and will help them heal - even if its sometime in the future.

I am shocked that this has not been in the news in Auburn, Alabama where Pete spent SO much time with kids while he was in college. Does the church that employed him have no responsibility to notify parents of now grown men that a now convicted sex offender spent years with their child??? Some parents are in the know but not all.

to 11:27;One of the biggest problems with your posts is that speak in general terms. You speak of how "most victims do not feel this way" and sound as if you are speaking on behalf of a group of people, literally. You may have a group of people who do feel the way you do, but YOU SHOULD ONLY SPEAK ON BEHALF OF YOURSELF. Otherwise your comments mean nothing. I too, have talked to other families of victims, like my own and I know they stand with me in my road to forgiveness, but it is not my purpose to tell you what "others" think, just me. You don't like how the therapist responded to you so you turned hateful and rude. IT IS OBVIOUS that not only your son, but YOU need good, honest, real therapy. I hope you get it. I am sorry that you are hurting and I believe you are hurting. But do not ever minimize the hurt that other victims or family members feel. That is horrible on your part. Just because my son was a true victim, doesn't lessen the "victims" who just plain ole loved the guy and lost their friend and mentor---their pain is as real as ours. Please consider others the next time you comment.

On Wednesday June 9, 2010, a very dear friend was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. We all can agree or disagree on whether that is fair or not. Indeed, he was punishment worthy. All I really want to say is this; I am very very sad. For everyone and I mean everyone who in any way has been touched by this. Everyone has pain in this, everyone and my heart is hurting all over the place.

11:27 (7:05)....I will be praying for you....you express such anger towards the other mother 7:17 and the "therapist." You request that they understand your feelings and state you are just representing YOUR feelings .....yet you made rude comments and attacked both. I realize you are hurt - justifiably so. To me, it sounds like the "therapist" was trying to address the issue that everyone is suffering and healing and to let 7:17 be allowed to do that even if you are not in the same place and every victim's ( and family) feelings should be acknowledged- not necessarily a debate about what everyone knows about abuse - or whose abuse was worse,etc.... How can that be helpful or productive? I am sorry for your pain... You have a right to your feelings and expressions..But please, everyone, stop attacking each other!! This is not productive for any of these families and victims. Families attacking families?!!! Yikes Be supportive and loving and allow all to process in their own way, time and expression -

Thanks, Amanda. Where will he go after the 90 days, or so, in the Fulton facility?

The reason I'm wondering is if he will be sent to a place that is geared for sexual predators.

It seems he would be safer in such a facility, since I've heard pedophiles don't do well in a facility with inmates of all sorts of crimes. Other prisoners, from what I'm told, are hostile toward pedophiles.

And, sorry...I didn't mean to ignore the rest of it. All I know is that someone said he will be in a "medium security" facility. Because I'm not originally from Missouri, I don't know how MDOC handles people in Pete's situation. In Texas, I know they are frequently segregated for their own protection. This often means they are isolated for 23 hours a day, leaving their cells only for excercise, Bible study, and therapy. But, I don't know for sure what the policy and procedure here is.

Any words that came out of Pete's mouth would have been "off" for you. Self-serving? Good grief. The guys going prison for the rest of his life. It would not have gone a long way for him to have done anything in court for you today. He said he needed to go to prison, wants to be healed from his sin. What the heck do you want him to say? Address you by name and say he's sorry? Who are you to judge someone's sincerity? Sincere? For crying outloud, the guy's lost everything, he's going to pay for his sin against these children.

You praise Ross for his words of healing for some, yet most of your words are vicious and speculative, not bringing healing to anyone.

Everyone knows you don't live in Missouri. You live where "the people are nice, food is good, and the beer is cold."

I don't know where your anger is coming from directed at me, 1:40. It seems that you've read something into my tone that wasn't there. These formats of comments often don't translate, but it's clear you have an issue with me.

And, I do live in Missouri,btw, so this is quite relevant to me and my neighbors on a number of levels. And you accuse me of "speculative" information?

It's kind of silly for you to try to tell me what I said and meant when I know what I said and what I meant, okay?

Going back to the original topic, I watched it again on the other post, and had a sort of different reaction the second time. I have pity for Newman, I don't know how else to say it.

I can't help but think that he was able to achieve the highest of highs only, but maybe it wasn't "real" to him. He didn't know how to really "live" what he wanted to believe, what he thought to be true, but only for "others." I wonder if he KNEW, really knew God's grace and love? I've known other believers who could recite scripture like water off a duck's back and speak eloquently on spiritual matters, but deep down inside never felt worthy of God's grace. Someone emailed me yesterday (a friend of Newman's) and had a very profound perspective: yes, he sinned, but he was also sinned upon, and both were not confessed, turned over to God. Powerful stuff.

I listend to Newman speak at events and at camp, and have seen him hold the attention of a crowd. He's a gifted speaker. Perhaps I was expecting him to say something that "fixed" this for the victims, families, and everyone affected, but that was all gone.

I have read some blogs from writers that have implied that Newman was abused as a child/young man. Has this been confirmed or is this just speculation? Amanda - you state he was sinned against....is this true or could it be that his "homosexual urges" became apparent to him as he entered puberty? I would agree that if he were in fact abused that he was sinned against and has also sinned against others.

Anon @ 4:56. I will answer your question, and please understand it is I am not doing so in a spirit of gossip, I think there has been some very thoughtful and productive discussion in this forum, and I want that to continue.

Yes, it appears that Newman was molested in middle school. Is Newman straight, gay, somewhere in between? It doesn't really matter to me. I know that this happened, and only in the last few days confirmed the information.

Statistics are not on the side of a child who is molested but doesn't get therapy, intervention, and help. And for sure something that doesn't help is having the concept of "forgiveness" forced on a victim. It's a process, not a snap decision.

Months ago on this blog, someone (anonymously) listed a comment that said something to the effect of "would it change your opinion if you KNEW he was molested as a child?" At the time, I was like, "NO WAY."

Since that time, I talked to an old friend about the boy I knew who was molested by a priest and later committed suicide...my friend said that what drove him to suicide were the "urges" he was having. This drove him literally over the edge.

So, as others have pointed out on this blog, Newman, regardless of how horrible his crimes were needs our prayers, too.

In no way does that excuse what happened, and I fully condemn the horrific acts Newman visited on the boys.

Knowing that, and having that context made me feel differently when I watched the statement again.

Amanda ,thank you, I agree about the discussion on the blog and don't want to deter either. I do know that from another posting earlier....a therapist or someone that works with abuse survivors stated that not every victim who doesn't get therapy becomes a perpetrator. I agree with you that the chances for healing are much better when a child has been counseled and supported after the abuse...However, there are many perpetrators out there that have never been abused and they victimize children. In fact I think the statistic is higher of perps not having been victims themselves than vice versa.

But if in fact, this is true - I agree -Pete needs the prayers too. Quite honestly, he needed them before we knew this info. I agree with Pete's statement that Jesus came to save sinners - not the righteous - so there is hope - hope in the gospel - and He came to save us all - ALL of us SINNERS.....not just Pete. We all need Jesus.

To all of you that have posted commens about how much of a monster Pete is yet you've never actually met him confuses me.. I was a camper at Kanakuk when Pete was a director and I went on a mission trip with Pete to China... I'm not saying by any means that his actions were okay and shouldn't be punished but I do think his apology was sincere and I think he is on the right path. It is not any of our positions to judge him or what he's done and it is definietely no one's job to decide if the words Pete spoke at the court house in his apology were sincere. It sickens me to know how judgemental people can be when they don't even know the person. Pete is funny and nice and has a personality that fills the room positively. If all anyone did was look at others flaws, we would all be in a world of hurt.

Ditto 3:02! I have no compassion for Pete Newman period!And yes I am a Christian! Do not buy into another one of his excuses especially about him possibly being molested as a child himself. If you only knew people. He is in prison right where Jesus would want him to be. I just hope prison can control Pete and his spining.Seriously!

1. I did know Spike White, and Joe is very similar to him. That is a huge compliment to both of them.

2. Pete was molested as a child. Although that might help us understand a little about Pete, it doesn't excuse his actions. Many people who have been molested do not become molesters.

3. Kanakuk does give away thousands and thousands of dollars worth of scholarships, as well as great sums of money to other Christian organizations and mission outreaches.

4. Whether Pete was sincere at his sentencing is not the issue. Perhaps even Pete doesn't even know since he has always come across as sincere. Only God knows for sure.

With that said, once trust is destroyed, words cannot build it back. Only actions over a period of time wins back the trust. The good thing is, it can be won back.

This might be a time for Pete to seek God's guidance on how he can, over a period of time, help restore the lives he has shattered. One way he can start is by daily praying for his victims and their families.

Be very careful about your comments about Pete being molested. Pete's own words were he voluntarily participated at the age of 16 in masturbation with a group of friends. This is a far stretch from being molested as a child. Pete is not a trustworthy individual and so it becomes very difficult to know when he is telling the truth. I have chosed not to be duped a second time. You might want to give this some serious consideration in what you are reading on this blog. He is a con artist and a habitual liar. He is all about Pete and will do whatever it takes to look after Pete. Ask the victims.

OK Amanda - Since you seem to know it all..and have "confirmed" pete's past sexual abuse as a child..what are your thoughts about the previous blogger....voluntary group masturbation or another sexually abusing him. Confirm or deny? I agree that voluntary sexual participation is different than child sexual abuse by another person in power and control over another. Perhaps it is both...

what does millstone mean?? I wish people would quite speaking in "code" on these blogs and just lay it out there. And I have seen reference to Gary Smalley on other threads related to this subject. Does anyone know the connection there? Did he advise Kamp leadership to keep Pete on staff when the initial incidents came to light?

2:12 "Millstone" is a reference to Bible verses in the New Testament: Matthew 18:6, Luke 17:2, and one other I can't remember right now. The Matthew one is, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Post again if you don't understand, we have a lot of experts on this blog. Someone will get back to you...

8:41. I find your comments interesting. When and where did you get your information about Pete stating that he participated in group masterbation at the age of 16? I am the mother of a victim and I have never heard anything about that until you wrote it. I'm curious--what is that about?

One more thing. Amanda, you have said more than once that your information on things from Pete's past have been confirmed. Where are you getting these confirmations? If you can't name the person, at least provide some insight on who might possibly be giving it to you.Thanks

Part 1: I can't betray a confidence someone has placed in me unless I have permission to do so, and I don't, so I can't "out" (for lack of a better term) the people who have emailed me. People who know me only from a name on this blog are "finding" me, it started back in March when a comment I left on an old blog entry was pulled out and made into it's own thread. Because I put my NAME to my commentary, a number of people who know/knew Pete going back YEARS decided to write to me. I guess, sometimes, it's easier to talk to a stranger than someone who knows who you are...that's the only thing I can think of. Everyone who has contacted me GRIEVES for the victims. They are praying. I know it must feel like you are walking this wilderness alone. They are trying to figure out if there was something they missed. Just a handful admit that they "felt" something about him that didn't seem right. In some cases, that came from Newman himself. In some cases that came from other people (worshiping him, fiercely protecting him).

Part 2: When I say that information is confirmed, I mean it in a professional sense, as I am a journalist. For example if 4 people all write to me from different parts of the country, are unrelated and not affiliated, but they all tell me about Newman's "testimony" used in various public forums and they match "the timeline" of his life, it's confirmed. Newman was a frequent speaker on "teen sex" issues, and many feel he used stories (admissions) of his own sexual stuff, like the 16 year old group thing to see how the kids reacted to help him hone in potential victims. In the case of questions swirling around as to "if" Newman was molested, SEVERAL people recall specific details of things that happened in his past. Specifics: uncanny and unprompted (by me) details that all seem to be able recall. By way of the others I can confirm that it is genuine, down to who/when/and how that person gained access to Newman. The people who have contacted me fall into two groups: 1) Pete was struggling with sins, and his very life was plundered by satan, as Pete bore so much "fruit" that he was under spiritual attack, and there was no way he was lying to me in all those "deep" discussions we had, or 2) Newman is a manipulator, narcissistic, and everything he did was an attempt to evade detection and further his deviant desires. Those are summaries of what other people have related. I'm not sure where my own opinion lies. I can objectively (if any matter of faith can fall under "objective" reasoning) see both positions. One thing is pretty clear about Newman...I didn't interact with him on this level, but almost uniformly, Newman was a person who felt at ease confronting others about their "sin" per his perspective (judgment). To me, it sounds like a bunch of legalistic mumbo-jumbo. Newman would call out his college friends, co-workers, and then people he supervised for each and every little thing he saw them doing, and engage in long "spiritual" discussions. What he was doing was "leveling." From the time he was still a teenager, Newman was placing himself in a position of moral superiority over others. And people went along with it! People are still submitting to his authority and relish the attention and advice they received from him. Some have emailed just to encourage me. One guy said I have "Godly swagger," which made me laugh. Look, I'm not perfect, and no model Christian, but I know what my child told me, I know what I did (and didn't do), and I'm not going to let a few bullies on a blog silence truth. And, you know what? I've emailed some people too. We all need a little encouragement in this thing. I think there are some powerful lessons in this tragic situation for all of us moving forward. The "new" (annoying) trend is for a Christian vs. Christian "grace race": who can forgive the fastest, hardest, and with the most indignant reprimands for the rest of us. And, also, I'm seeing a lot of "my 'pain' is worse than yours…” I want to be clear, no one is impacted by this MORE than victims and their families. The rest of us have levels of pain that are different. Period.I'm guessing 10:28 and 30 are the same person. Feel free to email me.

Amanda, I wouldn't want you to disclose any names or personal info., but as a mother of a victim, I am so wondering about this so-called abuse that happened to Pete.

1) Was this abuse what he was referring to when he said, "...going back to when I was about 12..." in his testimony at his sentencing-hearing?

2) Was this a teacher? Coach? Clergy? Friend? Can you just tell us at least the role of that person/people in his life?

3) Did this also happen to the brothers? B/c I keep wondering HOW (with all 4 bros. being so close) did this happen to only 1 out of the 4 and noone knew a thing....Seems kinda weird. I'm not suggesting "family" but that's they only thing that would explain such secrecy within the family I would think?? Hope I'm wrong. Would you know the answer?

4) What is being told to you re: when he would travel and give his sex talks?

Amanda - I hope you have all your information correct to be able to claim all the things you did. As for these "teen sex talks" - were they at Kanakuk? Discussions about group masturbation at Kanakuk? Come on....I guess I will have to go and ask my son more questions.......I can't imagine in a group forum/lecture he would be admitting his group masturbation sessions.... If true, right there that should have raised an eyebrow at the Kanakuk management.

You open a can of worms, Amanda, you better put a lid on it or give people concrete information in a satisfactory "journalistic " manner rather than a bunch of mumbo jumbo.

While you write two lengthy blogs about his "past" - to me - it was written in a sloppy manner that is hard to understand. I think mom of victim has some pretty good questions....... (6:26) From my perspective, I think you love have the "power" over information and enjoy watching others ( even victims and their families) cry out to you for what they might need to know.....Think about how your "control' of information is impacting these families. Maybe saying nothing is better at times. Or...let it all out so they can use it to process and heal....

Okay...I "opened a can of worms" did I? I wrote something sloppy, not helpful? Sorry, it was originally one piece that ran long, edited to "fit," which it didn't, and had to be split into two. I am on deadline for my regular stuff now, and can't do a Q & A.

No, I DON'T like this, I feel obligated to it. It's not "power," it's making me very sad. Talking to people, and verifying information is what I do. I've given my contact information several times and ANYONE is welcome to contact me at any time. I will write you back.

I don't hold ANY keys to "healing" for anyone, I just listen and ask questions.. Healing comes in time. Even with what others have told me, there is NO REASON this happened. I wish it could be different, that we could all look at one thing and say, "A HA!" and feel better.

It's not appropriate to answer the questions in a public forum, and feels like it's straying into gossip. Not my intention. Can of worms, meet your lid.

6:26 is me and I DO NOT want to open a can of worms or gossip. I simply would like to know the answers to the questions I asked you. Can you answer those w/o disclosing names? Gossip is not my intent. I'm just grappling with understanding.

1)Possibly, it would fit the time frame of Newman's claims, but only Newman knows what he meant when he was speaking. IJS. 2)Ironically, the person was like a "Pete," a spiritual advisor with another organization, of the descriptions you gave, "coach," "clergy," and "friend" fit best.3)Not sure if it happened to the brothers, too, but the perp was not a family member. At least one of Newman's brothers knew about this, and both discussed it openly with friends.4)The internet is ripe with cached web pages (several dozen I've found so far dating back to 2001) from old/updated websites showing Newman's travels and speaking engagments as well as topic. 5) I know nothing about Katie's role in all of this. According to friends, her parents are giving her a tremendous amount of support, and she is with them.

XO. I'm serious, I feel like I should say more, but I REALLY have to take care of some pressing things today. Thanks.

The filing of any civil suit is a public record, whether it be done in state or federal courts. However, that does not mean negotiations cannot be held privately before a lawsuit is filed, or settlements reached privately afterward.

In the state of Missouri, go to case.net (that is actually what it is called and is not the web address, but if you put case.net in Google, it is the first or second item on the search results). Case.net does not provide much information on the case, but does note every filing and dates for any hearings. On the federal level, you can go through PACER (again it can be reached through Google). All documents filed are available on line, but PACER charges eight cents per page for search results and for documents. The good news is that after 30 pages, they stop charging (on any single document). I plan on keeping an eye on the state and federal courts.

Absolutely. One thing that has always bothered me about the traditional media, and that includes the time I was a part of it, is how stories are big and then are just dropped with no follow-up. It has been my experience that it is never the people who are interested in those stories who lose interest, but the media, and since I go through court records daily, I will update readers on any developments concerning Kanakuk and/or Pete Newman.

I will start a new thread. What you might do is subscribe to a Google News Alert. You can subscribe under key words, meaning you will be informed when anything is in the news or on the blogosphere, or even anywhere else on the internet about Pete Newman or Kanakuk.

When i was in 7th grade i went on a trip with my youth group to something know as "break thru" Pete spoke to the middle schoolers and i remeber all the amazing sermons he gave and how powerful his message was. I remember him being hilarious and friendly. From then on I looked up to him as an amazing man of God, and i truly believe that at some point in his life he has been. He was a person that changed many people's lives, most of which i believe was in a good way. But I guess we can all look at his example and realize just how fake and ugly this world can be, and just how far down you can fall if you give the enemy a foothold.... But for now I am shocked

I just learned about this devastating story today. I am so thankful for the sentence that will serve to keep this very sick man from ever coming near another child ever again. I personally know about another minister who molested young boys for several years while he was the youth music minister at a large Baptist church in Dallas. The church found out, but did not report him to the authorities, and to my knowledge the parents involved did not want to press charges. This man was just asked to leave town. I have been praying for years now that the truth will be told so this child predator will also be brought to justice and kept from harming anymore children.

Pete Newman babtised me when I was 9 years old. I have been struggling with this for months now and have just now come to terms that my child hood hero has done what he has done. Although he did these things, I still truly believe Pete loved the Lord Jesus Christ. May he learn his lesson.

I went to high school with this guy. I just thought he was an irritating bible-thumper. I always figured he was gay too. It's really too bad that that doesn't fly with Jesus, seems like a lot of this could potentially have been avoided. He's gonna get his ass kicked in prison.

About Me

I am a former teacher in the Joplin and Diamond, Missouri, school districts. Before entering the teaching field, I spent 22 years as a reporter and editor for various Southwest Missouri newspapers. I have published three novels, Small Town News, Devil's Messenger, and No Child Left Alive, and six non-fiction books, The Turner Report, Newspaper Days, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, Scars from the Tornado and Let Teachers Teach.

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